Photo: Shutterstock

Adrienne Ellman, 38, Foley Hoag

Office: New York.

Practice area: Mergers and acquisitions and private equity.

Law school: Northeastern University School of Law, 2009.

How long have you been at the firm? Nine years, since I graduated law school in 2009.

How long were you an associate at the firm? From January 2010 to December 2017.

What year did you make partner at your current firm? I officially became partner on Jan.1, 2018.

Adrienne Ellman.

What's the biggest surprise you experienced in becoming partner? I assumed that once I made partner the balance would shift largely toward external relationship building, which definitely proved true. What I miscalculated was the best way to approach building business. I assumed it was something I would need to do alone as a way to prove my value to the firm, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Business development at Foley Hoag is a team sport, and I have been really lucky to be a part of such a supportive culture at this point in my career.

What do you think was the deciding point for the firm in making you partner? Early on, I understood Foley Hoag's commitment to excellent work, collegiality and inclusion. As a partner, you work as an extension of that brand. I looked for opportunities to showcase those traits in my day-to-day work so that when the time came for partnership, my colleagues would be comfortable with me in the elevated role. I also was asked early on to participate in firm committees, like the hiring committee, and I always said yes. That type of involvement at the firm, which turned out to be a really rewarding aspect of my career, provided exposure outside of my practice groups and department and gave me opportunities to be in front of firm leadership early on.

Describe how you feel now about your career now that you've made partner. I am really bullish on being a lawyer. I love what I do, and I come to work every day excited to engage with clients and help them through significant transactions. Since becoming a partner that excitement has only amplified. I have built my career (both by choice and design) to align with the core growth areas of focus for the firm. For mergers and acquisitions and private equity, our practice group has just exploded since I have been at the firm. I have been able to partner with clients on some really complicated and transformative deals, which has been so rewarding. I am thrilled to be co-leading the firm's New York office in a city that I feel is such a strong match for Foley Hoag. I also grew up in Brooklyn, so it's fantastic that I can return to my roots while still practicing at a firm with such a strong culture.

What's the key to successful business development in your opinion? I had a mentor tell me early in my career that the key to business development is to diligently pursue a reasonable plan for a set amount of time. Success doesn't happen overnight, but if you have a business plan that fits your brand and fills a need in the market, it will happen. You have to be dedicated and work hard on a regular basis, but over time you will see success.

What's been the biggest change, day-to-day, in your routine since becoming partner? When I was an associate, I spent most of my day drafting and working hard to develop my legal skills. Since becoming partner, I spend much less time being reactive and a lot more time being proactive. I am constantly in meetings and on calls with clients and prospects. I'm thinking on my feet and using the skills that I developed while an associate to offer thoughtful and strategic legal advice. I love this change.

Who had the greatest influence in your career that helped propel you to partner? I have had the privilege of having many great mentors at Foley Hoag, but the real influence for me has come in the form of a friendship. I met Meredith Haviland, partner and co-chair of Foley Hoag's private funds practice group, as an associate, and she quickly became one of my closest friends. It has helped that we have overlapping practices but not identical ones, because we understand each other's legal worlds and challenges. I have found it priceless to have someone in my corner, helping me build confidence, telling me to go for things that maybe seem out of reach and reminding me that she (and others) are facing the same challenges. And, probably most importantly, Meredith has kept me laughing when I needed it most.

Got a suggestion for a new partner to profile? Email [email protected].